PKKIACE. VII 



PREFACE 



TO 



The English Translation. 



Ever since becoming established at this post of the Consular 

 Service, I have had a constant stream of inquiry from all branches 

 of trade in the United States with reference to its especial 

 development in Russia, there being no publication in the Eng- 

 lish tongue covering these subjects, and but few of our people 

 having a sufficient knowledge of the Russian language to glean 

 from the native literature the information desired. 



In accepting, therefore, the invitation of the Imperial Min- 

 ister of Finance to supervise and edit the English translation of 

 The Inchistries of Biissia^ in its several volumes, I have under- 

 taken the serious labour involved in such a work, not only with 

 very great pleasure but also as an important duty, thus aiding 

 to give the American people an insight into what is to them, 

 commercially speaking, an unknown country. 



In this, and in the volumes that immediately follow, a 

 complete summary of Russian industries is impartially and accur- 

 ately set forth, with the history of their growth from the earhest 

 beginnings, together with the methods Avhereby Trade, Agri- 



